Jim Martin's Beauty of an Imperial Treasure

Here is a brief interview we recently had with IML
member Jim Martin. Some of you may know Jim from the CA Statewide
meets or the IML Chat where he "hangs out all to often" ;-) If you
have any questions for Jim please feel free to send him a message!

Question: When did you
purchase your first Imperial?

Answer: I was born in
1929, I had my first Imperials a 55 & 56 Imp 4dr sedan as well as a
53 Imp Town Limo sometime between 1978 & 1982. In 1980 I got the
Imperial I had always wanted, a 1939 C24 Limo, I feel, the car found me.
I wasn't looking for any at the time.

Q: Why is it your
favorite? What do you find appealing about that particular
year?

A: One year only body style by Ray Dietrich.
Last of the art-deco styling.Comfort of long wheel base. (144 in.)
Rarity. (307 producee) Last Chrys. with dual side mount sparetires.
Inter-com for rear seat passenger. Recognized Classic by
CCCA.

Q: Do you have a
favorite Imperial gadget or styling
feature?

A: Converted 6V radio from am
to am/fm.

Q: Any other
automotive gadget or styling feature that you like or would like to
own?

A: Without doubt, the
1939 C24, although My 2nd choice would be a 55/56
Imperial.

Q: What are your future plans for your present
collection?

A: Sell'em with the exception of the C24
which keeps me busy.

Q: Do you have
any, "I can't believe I let that car get away from me"
stories?

A: Purchased the 50 Dodge in Nebr. for
$225.00 in 1974 & drove it home to Calif. Could have bought a 50
Stude Champ W/overdrive for another $50.00 but I couldn't drive two cars
at the same time. :)Every time I bought an old car & parked it
in the drive, some one would make me an offer I couldn't refuse.
:)

Jim's 2 sons help out as
Pit Crew Read About the Valve Job he and the "help" did by
clicking the Above Link. :-)

Q: Are there any
other collector cars (besides Imperials) that you would like to
own?

A: Nope Just A 55/56 Imperial

Q: Do you belong to any other antique car
clubs?

A: Ca. State Imperial Club, WPC, Airflow Club
& California Chrysler Products Club (CCPC),...the original WPC Club,
started by seven men in the Bay area on March 17th 1967.

Q: What was the best car show you ever
attended?

A: California Chrysler Products Restorers
Club annual October showW/variousChrys. products from the late 20's
to the 90's & plentifulentrants from the Calif. State Imperial
Clubs.

Q: Do you Have a Favorite Car
Museum?

A: Black Hawk
museum. Danville, Ca.

Q: Do you
have a favorite car related book or
movie?

A: My 41 Plymouth was parked at
the curb in the movie,"Tucker". Visible for a micro-nano second if you
know when & where to look. :) Never do that gig again!
:)

We would like to thank Jim Martin for sharing
his collection with us!! Please check back next month when we will be
spotlighting another Imperial Club
member.